Centrarchidae

The Centrarchidae family, commonly known as sunfishes, comprises about 30 species of North American freshwater fish. These carnivorous fish, including crappies and black basses, are native to waters east of the Rocky Mountains, though several species have been introduced elsewhere. Centrarchids are characterized by deep bodies and a single dorsal fin with spiny and soft-rayed sections. They inhabit quiet ponds and lakes, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates. Sizes vary greatly, from tiny sunfishes measuring about 2.5 cm to largemouth black bass reaching up to 80 cm. Sunfishes, often brightly colored, are known for their distinctive "ear lobe" and are prized as food and game fish. Males of the family create nests and guard eggs and young.12